'Heightened risk': Police on alert for malicious activity as Knicks host NBA Finals
President Trump said he plans to attend the game at Madison Square Garden.
The return of the NBA Finals to New York on Monday comes with a “heightened risk of attention by malicious actors across the ideological spectrum," according to a New York Police Department assessment obtained by ABC News.
Those malicious actors "may use high-profile sporting events as an attractive opportunity for targeted violence or disruption," the document said.
The Knicks are set to host their first NBA Finals in 27 years on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
President Donald Trump said last week that he plans to attend a Finals game at the Garden on Monday or Wednesday. Trump said he has been invited to attend the series by Knicks' owner James Dolan.
"The answer is yes," Trump said on Thursday when asked by reporters whether he'll attend the games in New York, his hometown. "[Dolan] has invited me, and I'm going. I'll be there. It could be Monday. Maybe I'll do both."
MSG fans Game 3 watch party canceled due to security concerns
The NYPD announced on Sunday that a fans' watch party outside Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals has been canceled as part of enhanced security measures with Trump attending the game.
The Knicks lead the series two games to none over the San Antonio Spurs in New York's quest to win its first NBA championship since 1973.
The NYPD's Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureau routinely prepares risk assessments for big events and there is no specific threat.
NYPD commissioner issues warning
Thousands of Knicks fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden on Friday night to watch Game 2 of the NBA Finals, which was played in San Antonio.
But celebrations after the Knicks' victory led to multiple arrests and an injured police officer, according to the NYPD.
The NYPD said the crowd became increasingly disorderly throughout the evening. Officers made an arrest for assault and for individuals climbing light poles before the game ended.
Following the Knicks' victory, police said multiple people refused orders to leave the area, blocked traffic along Seventh and Eighth Avenues from West 31st Street to West 35th Street, and climbed onto food vendor carts, light poles and subway entrances.
According to police, one person jumped over a barrier into a restricted area. When an officer attempted to remove the individual, the person allegedly punched the officer in the face multiple times, causing lacerations that required medical treatment. The officer was later treated and released.
Police also arrested several people accused of selling counterfeit merchandise. One of those individuals faces an additional charge of possessing a loaded firearm, according to the NYPD.
In total, 26 people were taken into custody on Friday. Police said 17 people were arrested and charged, while nine others were issued criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct and released.
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has warned fans to be on better behavior for this week's games in New York.
"We will have no tolerance for violence, particularly violence against police officers, destruction of property, climbing on light poles or structures, blocking emergency vehicles or other chaotic behavior," Tisch said.
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